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Types of Electrical Stimulation Used In Physical Therapy

One of the modalities of physical therapy being used in chiropractic is Electrical Stimulation. Electrical Stimulation is used to regain muscles’ contraction abilities. When your muscles are unable to contract, you may experience pain, weakness and a decrease in the ability to properly function. You might also deal with limited muscular movement.

Electrical Stimulation can be beneficial in conditions of tendonitis, post-surgical pain, lower back pain, bursitis, muscle weakness or loss of movement control.

If you’ve been experiencing any of the above conditions, your chiropractor might advise you to undergo electrical stimulation. There are many different kinds of electrical stimulation based on your condition:

1. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, also known as TENS, is a type of electrical stimulation used to decrease chronic pain.

TENS can alter and/or interrupt the pain signals traveling to the brain from affected tissues. It is performed with the help of electrified electrodes placed on the affected muscle, which alters pain signals traveling to the brain.

2. Russian Stimulation

Post-surgery or post-injury pain can be intolerable; you might need to visit your chiropractor. After the surgery or a serious injury, you might also experience muscle weakness and an inability to move comfortably.

It uses electricity to generate contraction in the muscle by force. The electricity is applied to the affected body part for 10 seconds, at an interval of 50 seconds. The entire process may go on for 10 minutes.

3. Interferential Current

Physical therapists and chiropractors use this type of electrical stimulation to improve blood circulation in injured tissues. IFC is more or less similar to TENS, but in this method, current can be controlled and is specifically targeted to areas that are experiencing the most pain.

4. High Voltage Electrical Stimulation

High Voltage Stimulation is used by physical therapists to decrease pain and enhance circulation in the injured tissues. High voltage is known to speed the healing process by changing the type of cells around the wound.

Our founders, Dr. James Stapleton DC and Dr. William Yadon DC, believe in making sure that their patients understand the process of Electrical Stimulation before starting the treatment. Get in touch with us today to book your appointment!